Sometimes, big strength comes from small things.
“Premature babies are the most resilient people in the world,” said Sarah Lane.
Sarah should know. She is a nurse at the neonatal intensive care unit, or NICU, at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth.
So caring, she remains close to the family of twins, who are now three-years-old. They were born at 25 weeks gestation.
“She was part of saving our babies, and on top of that I gained a best friend,” said Carrie Giddens.
But in September, Lane was diagnosed with a rare form of endometrial cancer, after doubling over in pain during her shift. She had surgery to remove a tumor, and is now undergoing chemotherapy.
So now Carrie and other parents are helping her. They are sending messages and care packages. Some mothers made her a t-shirt to wear to chemotherapy, with their babies' footprints on it, reading "Always Preemie Strong." Carrie also went with Sarah to pick out a wig.
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“They have said things like when their babies were sick I was always a voice of comfort for them. They say this is the least they can do,” added Lane.
And even while she undergoes chemotherapy, Sarah continues to work, 12 hour shifts, three days a week. She is inspired by the premature infants.
“The trials of what they overcome speak volumes. So if they can do it, I can do it,” she added.
The NICU is special to Lane for many reasons. Lane was born there, a premature infant at four pounds, three ounces.
